http://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/10/bu...ankruptcy.html Gordon Bethune took over from a great man named hollis harris. harris left continental and became head guy at air Canada. while at air Canada, he worked with david bonderman to provide cash to continental. this gave Gordon the oxygen to succeed. also, while at air Canada, hollis harris signed an agreement with united that later became star alliance. hollis harris was a man of vision and a savior for continental. Gordon Bethune was just in a position to take advantage of it.